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One week from today, the mayhem that is NFL free agency will begin in full force with the start of the new league year on March 18. Teams will be scrambling to fill roster spots, hoping they have the money and resources to lure some of this year’s prized free agents to their team.

The Buccaneers will have to address several free agents of their own, including Shaq Barrett and Jameis Winston. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported the other week that the Bucs could wind up using the franchise tag on Barrett if the two sides can’t come to a long-term agreement. That scenario may not be the ideal one for Winston, who is hoping the team brings him back after his 30-interception season.

So, where do Barrett and Winston find themselves on ESPN’s list of the top 100 free agents of 2020? Kevin Seifert has Barrett in his top 10, putting him at No. 9, while pointing out his mega 2019 season.

“Rarely has a player raised his value more in a contract year than Barrett did in 2019. After signing a one-year contract with the Buccaneers worth $5 million, Barrett led the NFL with 19.5 sacks. Although not all sacks are equal, it would be difficult to record that many without displaying some exceptional pass-rushing skills and playmaking along the way.”

Winston made the top 30, coming in at No. 29.

“All you need to know about Winston is that in 2019 he became the first player in NFL history to throw at least 30 touchdown passes and 30 interceptions in the same season. His downfield explosiveness is undeniable, but his turnover rate is totally out of sync with today’s passing-friendly league. It had been 31 years since a quarterback threw as many as 30 interceptions in one season. The Buccaneers seem determined to evaluate other options.”

The Bucs will of course want to do their due diligence before committing to Winston one way or the other, but they should not ignore the words of former players who think Winston is poised for a big Year 2 under Bruce Arians. Tampa Bay will need to determine if the risk of bringing in another quarterback is worth it.

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